Log splitter



Jan. 13, 1970 c. H. SNYDER 3,489, 9

LOG SPLITTER Filed Oct. 10, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. CLIFFORD H. SNYDER MWk HIS ATTORNEY FIG. I

Filed Oct. 10, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. CLIFFORD H. SNYDER BY MQWA HIS ATTORNEY Jan. 13, 1970 c. H. SNYDER 3,489,192

LOG SPLITTER Filed Oct. 10, 196'? 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. CLIFFORD H. SNYDER fwuwaa HIS ATTORNEY Jan. 13, 1970 c. H. SNYDER 3,489,192

' LOG SPLITTER Filed Oct. 10, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. CLIFFORD H. SNYDER HIS ATTORNEY United States Patent US. Cl. 144194 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A power driven lo'g splitter is formed with a blade and an endless conveyor to present logs to the blade. The blade is disposed at an angle of approximately 45 to the vertical and is mounted on a frame, which, in turn, is resiliently mounted on the chassis of the log splitter. The resilient mounting of the blade permits the blade to move to cushion shocks presented by the splitting of logs.

An endless, uni-directional conveyor urges the logs against the blade at a constant speed. One embodiment provides a split conveyor in which the blade depends below the conveyor element. A second embodiment provides a unitary conveyor having auxiliary blades to guide the logs and to facilitate in splitting the logs. Either embodiment provides for continuous log splitting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Log splitters have been provided that have a generally vertical splitter blade rigidly mounted to a log splitter chassis. A hydraulic ram is provided on these prior log splitters which when advanced forces the log against the blade. The ram is then retracted so that another log may be placed between the ram and blade thus pennitting only intermittent action.

With these prior log splitters, several difiiculties have been encountered. Primarily, because of the rigid connection of the blade to the splitter chassis, shock loads imposed upon the blade by varying forces in splitting the log, such as knots in the wood, or different size logs, have caused early failure of the parts of the log splitters.

Further, with a hydraulic ram-type splitter, the operator found it necessary to steady the log with one hand and to operate the hydraulic controls of the ram the other hand in order to present the log to the splitter. This method of feeding the log splitter caused delays in operation and made operation cumbersome. Further, in some instances, the use of a hydraulic ram and the attendant necessity for steadying the log caused injury to the operator in presenting the log to the splitter blade. Still further, the hydraulic ram types with their intermittent action are capable of much less production and are not conducive to automatic feeding and discharges.

SUMMARY The present invention is directed to a novel, power driven log splitter. In the log splitter of the present invention, the splitter blade itself is fixed to a frame. The blade is so fixed to the frame that it is rigidly positioned at an angle of approximately 45 to the vertical, the angle being such that it may vary from approximately 40 to the vertical to approximately 50 to the vertical. When so positioned, the blade itself receives logs presented to it in a generally horizontal position in a manner that the top of the blade contacts the top of the log initially, causing the splitting action to begin. Throughout the splitting action, as the log is forced through the blade, generally only one point of the blade is cutting while the remainder of the blade is splitting, thus permitting the splitting of tougher wood.

The frame upon which the splitter blade is mounted is slidingly received on the chassis of the splitter and large 3,489,192 Patented Jan. 13, 1970 resilient means, such as helical springs, are used to retain the frame in position. With the use of the resilient means, the frame which holds the blade is generally maintained in position, however, under shock loads, the frame may move upwardly relative to the splitter chassis to permit the shock load on the blade to be eased. The splitter blade itself also has wing elements built back from the cutting edge of the blade so that as the log is presented to the blade and passes thereover, the wing elements tend to complete the splitting process of the log splitter.

In addition to the novel, resiliently mounted, splitter blade, the splitter of the present invention has a unidirectional, endless conveyor element which presents logs to the blade. The endless conveyor element is driven through positive drive means from a source of power and urges the log against the blade and forces the log through the blade.

The endless conveyor of the present invention takes two general forms. In one embodiment of the invention, the endless conveyor is divided longitudinally and the blade extends vertically below the bed of the conveyor element. In this arrangement, the log tends to center itself between the longitudinal elements of the conveyor and presents itself to the blade in an aligned position. The conveyor has upstanding log contacting projections which abut the back of the log and force it through the blade.

In another embodiment of the invention, the conveyor element is not divided, but rather is a solid unit longitudinally. In this embodiment, the log contacting projection is preceded, in the direction of conveyor travel, by an auxiliary blade. The auxiliary blade is fixed to the segmented conveyor element and contacts the bottom of the log as it is positioned on the conveyor. As the log reaches the splitter blade, and is retarded thereby, the auxiliary blade scores the bottom of the log to facilitate splitting. The auxiliary blade also performs the function of tending to force or pull the log down against the conveyor at the log contacting projection so that the log cannot come loose from the conveyor as the conveyor forces it through the blade.

The log splitter of the present invention is a self-contained, portable unit, having the chassis, the splitter blade, the conveyor, and the drive means, such as a motor or engine, all connected and readily movable. The log splitter can be utilized in the field. It may be mounted on wheels or caterpillars. It may be self-propelled. In addition, the log splitter of the present invention can be made of varying sizes so that it can accommodate logs that are six feet in length or longer. In this manner, it can be used to form fence posts, support posts, or the like.

With the foregoing considerations in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved log splitter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a log splitter having a resiliently mounted blade.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a log splitter having a blade mounted at an angle to the vertical to facilitate log splitting.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a high capacity log splitter having a unit-directional, endless conveyor for continuously presenting logs to the splitter blade.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a log splitter having auxiliary blades on the conveyor to facilitate splitting of logs.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent as this description proceeds in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of the log splitter of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is an end elevation of the log splitter of FIGURE 1 having certain portions randomly sectioned to facilitate description.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation of a second embodiment of the log splitter of the present invention.

FIGURE 4 is an end perspective view of the embodiment of FIGURE 3.

I DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGURES 1 AND 2 Referring to FIGURES l and 2, a log splitter has a chassis indicated generally at 12 which includes a pair of skids 14 and a frame work formed of steel angles 16. Fixed to the chassis 12 are a pair of cylindrical upright members 18 which extend vertically above the chassis 12. The upright members 18 (one on each side of the chassis as shown in FIGURE 2) are each braced to the chassis 12 by braces 20 that are fixed to the chassis 12 and to the upright members 18.

Formed on the ends of upright members 18 are smaller diameter end portions 22 which are threaded for a purpose to be described.

A blade carrying frame indicated generally at 24 has the splitter blade 26 fixed thereto. A cross member 28 of blade carrying frame 24 is welded or otherwise rigidly connected to the splitter blade 26. Fixed to cross member 28 are. two vertical members 30 of the frame 24.

Three cylindrical slides 32 are fixed to each of the vertical members 30 of frame 24 as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. These cylindrical slides slide over the upright members 18 fixed to the splitter chassis 12. The cylindrical slides permit the blade carrying frame 24 to move vertically relative to the upright members 18.

Helical springs 34 are positioned between the upper cylindrical slide 32 and nuts 36 threaded onto the small diameter ends 22 of upright members 18. It will be seen that the helical springs 34 urge the blade carrying frame 24 downwardly to the position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. If, however, a shock load is imposed upon the blade 26, the blade carrying frame 24 may move upwardly against the force of the springs 34 to relieve the shock load on the blade.

The blade 26 has a cutting edge 38 formed thereon. The cutting edge 38 contacts the log and causes it to split. The cutting edge 38 of blade 26 is disposed at an angle of between 40 and 50 to the vertical, and preferably at an angle of to the vertical. The splitter blade 26 has wing elements 40 formed thereon and extending laterally therefrom as best shown in FIGURE 2. The wing elements 40, which expand in width toward the discharge end of the conveyor, contact the sides of the partially split log and further split the log as it is forced through the blade position by the conveyor.

A conveyor means shown generally at 42 is supported by the log splitter chassis 12. The conveyor means is formed from an endless segmented member 44 which has a series of metal links connected together. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the endless segmented member 44 is divided longitudinally into two portions as best shown in FIGURE 2. The endless member 44 is positioned around sprockets 46 and 48. The sprocket 46 is a drive sprocket for the endless member 44 and the sprocket 48 is an idler sprocket for the endless member. As seen in FIGURE 2, each longitudinal portion of the endless member 44 has a driven sprocket 46.

The drive sprocket 46 is fixed to a drive shaft 50 which is, in turn, driven by a driven sprocket 52 non-rotatably fixed to shaft 50.

The outboard sprocket 52 is driven by a chain 54 from a drive sprocket 56. Drive sprocket 56 is non-rotatably fixed to an idler shaft 58. Also non-rotatably fixed to idler shaft 58 is a driven sprocket 60 which is driven by a chain 62 from a drive sprocket 64. The drive sprocket 4 64 is driven through a gear arrangement 66 from an electric motor 68.

It will be seen that the drive train from electric motor 68 through the sprockets and chains provides a high ratio speed reduction between the electric motor and the conveyor endless segmented member 44. Further, the drive connection between the electric motor 68 and the endless segmented member 44 is a positive drive having sprockets and chains Without any friction devices, or the like.

Fixed to the endless segmented member 44 at spaced portions thereof, are log contacting projections 70 that extend upwardly therefrom. The log contacting projections are positioned so that they abut the end of a log which lies upon the top of the endless segmented member 44. The log (not shown) then is forced by the unidirectional movement of endless segmented member 44 from left to right as viewed in FIGURE 1 so that the log contacts the splitter blade 26 and is split. A tension bolt 72 with a standard frame is provided to control the position of sprockets 48 and to thereby control the tension of endless segmented member 44.

It will be seen that in the embodiment of FIGURES 1 and 2, the end of the splitter blade 26 depends vertically below the top of the endless segmented member 44 so that the passage of the log is completely blocked by the blade 26 thereby causing efficient splitting action. Further, if the log has a knot or is of varying types of wood which would cause the shock load on the splitter blade 26, the angular position of blade 26, together with the resilient connection between frame 24 and the upright members 18 permits the blade to give under the shock load and move upwardly to relieve the shock load, and subsequently to add the force of the spring to the machines log splitting power.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF FIGURES 3 AND 4 Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, there is shown a second embodiment of the log splitter of the present invention. Because of the general similarity of many of the parts of the embodiment of FIGURES 3 and 4, the same reference numerals, with prime suflixes, have been applied to the similar parts of the invention.

The log splitter 10 has the chassis 12' which includes skids 14' and a frame work formed of steel angles 16.

The upright members 18' are braced with braces 20' to the chassis 12'.

The smaller diameter ends 22' of upright members 18' are threaded. A blade carrying frame 24' carries a splitter blade 26' which is rigidly fixed to cross member 28' of frame 24'. Vertical members 30' of frame 24' have cylindrical slides 32' fixed thereto. Helical springs 34' are disposed between the top cylindrical slides 32' and the nuts 36' threaded onto the small diameter ends 22' of upright members 18'.

The splitter blade 26' has a cutting edge 38' disposed at an angle of between 40 and 50 to the vertical and preferably at an angle of 45 to the vertical. The blade 26' has Wing elements 40' extending laterally therefrom.

The conveyor means 42' is supported by the chassis 12'. Conveyor means 42 is formed with an endless segmented member 44' which extends over sprockets 46" and 48'.

The endless segmented member 44' of the embodiment of FIGURES 3 and 4 is unitary, and not divided longitudinally as is the segmented member 44 of FIGURES l and 2.

The drive sprocket 46' of segmented member 44' is mounted to a drive shaft 50 which is driven through driven sprocket 52 by chain 54'. Chain 54 is driven by a drive sprocket 56' non-rotatably fixed to an idler shaft 58' which is, in turn, driven by a driven sprocket 60'. The chain 62' drives driven sprocket 60 from drive sprocket 64'. The drive sprocket 64 is driven through a gear arrangement 66' by an electric motor 68.

As in the embodiment of FIGURES 1 and 2, the drive train between electric motor 68' and the segmented member 44' provides a high ratio of speed reduction.

The endless member 44 has log contacting projections 70 extending upwardly therefrom. The log contacting projections 70 contact the end of the log and force it through the blade 26 to split the log.

In the embodiment of FIGURES 3 and 4, an auxiliary blade 74 is positioned forwardly, in the direction of movement of the endless segmented member 44, from the log contacting projections 70'. Thus, in front of each log contacting projection 70' is an auxiliary blade 74. The auxiliary blade 74, fixed to the endless segmented member 44, performs a dual function. The auxiliary blade 74 contacts the bottom of the log and tends to guide the log as the log approaches the splitter blade 26. When the log contacts the splitter blade 26', it meets with resistence, the auxiliary blade 74 moves relative to the log and scores the bottom of the log which facilitates splitting. A second function of the auxiliary blade 74 is to force, bite into, and pull the end of the log down against the segmented member 44 at the position of the log contacting projections 70'. When the log initially contacts the splitter blade 26, the auxiliary blade 74 tends to serve as a fulcrum causing the log to pivot over the auxiliary blade 74 and be forced down against the log c0n tacting projections 70'.

It may be seen that in both embodiments of the present invention, a log splitter is provided which is a self-contained unit. The drive means, the conveyor means, and the splitter blade are all formed on a unit with the log splitter chassis. The log splitter chassis may be readily moved on the skids and fixed thereto and the log splitter may be used in the field as well as in a shop. While an electrical motor has been shown as the source of power for the log splitter, it will be appreciated that a gasoline engine, or a small diesel engine, could also be utilized to drive the splitter.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the principle, preferred construction, and mode of operation of my invention, and have illustrated and described what I now consider to represent its best embodiments. However, I desire to have it understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

I claim:

1. A log splitter comprising:

(a) a splitter chassis;

(b) a blade positioned relative to said chassis to contact a log being urged in a generally horizontal direction toward said blade to split said log thereupon, said blade being inclined to the vertical so that the upper portion of said blade contacts'said log before the lower portion thereof;

(c) blade support means including a frame fixed to said blade at the upper end of said blade, said frame being slidable vertically upon upright members fixed to said splitter chassis, and resilient means urging said frame downwardly upon said upright members, said resilient means providing a cushioning effect to permit said frame and said blade to move upwardly relative to said chassis when the force urging said blade upwardly exceeds a predetermined maximum; (d) conveyor means mounted on said splitter chassis and movable relative thereto to carry logs horizontally toward said blade and force said logs against said blade to thereby split said logs; and

(c) drive means to drive said conveyor means.

2. The log splitter of claim 1 wherein said conveyor means is an endless conveyor that moves uni-directionally toward said blade at a constant speed.

3. The log splitter of claim 1 wherein the cutting edge of said blade is inclined to the vertical at an angle of between 40 and 50.

4. The log splitter of claim 1 wherein said resilient means takes the form of a helical spring positioned between said frame and said upright member.

5. The log splitter of claim 1 wherein said conveyor means includes a segmented endless member having log contacting projections fixed thereto to push logs being moved by said conveyor means and force said logs against said blade.

6. The log splitter of claim 5 wherein said conveyor means also includes auxiliary blades fixed to said endless member and spaced forwardly in the direction of travel of said endless means from said log contacting projections to facilitate splitting of logs.

7. The log splitter of claim 5 wherein said conveyor means segmented endless member is divided into two parts longitudinally and said blade extends downwardly between'said two parts.

8. The log splitter of claim 1 wherein said chassis is movable and all elements of said log splitter move as a unit with said chassis.

9. The log splitter of claim 1 wherein logs longer than six feet in length may be split thereon.

10. The log splitter of claim 1 wherein said drive means includes an electric motor connected to said conveyor means through a positive, non-slip drive train.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 207,772 9/1878 Picaso 144-49 873,418 12/1907 Eckenroth 144-193 1,328,471 1/1920 Young 144-193 1,691,102 11/1928 Witham 144-193 2,356,324 8/1944 Kendle et al 144-194 3,241,415 3/1966 Brown 83-433 FOREIGN PATENTS 22,767 12/ 1948 Finland.

GERALD A. DOST, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 83-433; 144-49 

